Ride report by Andrew B
Four riders met at PC on a bitterly cold and windy (but dry) winters morning for a ride to Cawston. Ian had decided to make is own way there and Andy S is now out for a while following a skiing accident (we wish him a speedy recovery).
The planned route took us through Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Little Barningham, past Mannington Hall to Calthorpe. Then down to Ingworth, along the muddy and flooded lane to Itteringham Common, Oulton Street and to Cawston.
It was hard going against the strong easterly wind and parts were very muddy. However, we made steady progress until three miles before the Cafe Duncan discovered he had a puncture! Our chief mechanic (Mark) stayed with him to fix this (a thorn apparently), whilst the remainder rushed for the warmth of the cafe. A bad start for the year for Duncan and Mark, who are now both on two punctures.
On arrival at the cafe the two scouts enjoyed warm drinks and were soon joined by Ian who did the same. Mark and Duncan arrived about fifteen minutes later looking very cold! However, once they warmed up we all enjoyed some good hearty food, with choices ranging from the Full English to soup and bread. Andrew even found room for a cake although he took half home as it was so big (actually it only made it to the car parked at PC).
After lunch Chris left early to get some TT training in, then Ian left us to make his own way back. The route back took us south to the Witchinghams and then up to Reepham, Guestwick, Craymere Beck, Briston and a hard push into the wind up to Edgefield.
Although the easterly wind had been behind us for some of the route, from Briston it was against us, so it was decided to retrace our steps back to PC for the last part of the route instead of having both wind and hills to Plumstead. Duncan left at Baconsthorpe to make his own way home.
Ian reported a delay on his way home due to a slow moving vehicle blocking his route – see photo. Apparently he snapped this – one handed while still moving having taken a winter glove off his my teeth – quite a skill set! you can just make out his reflection in bottom of second window from the left. It held him up for about a mile from Holt Garden Machinery to Kelling Heath holiday village entrance at 3.5mph, so that ruined his average speed! (so he claims)
Overall, a good ride despite the cold weather and the muddy conditions.
PC to PC 49.5 miles
Average speed 13.5 mph
Total Elevation 1900 ft
(Ian – 48.5m @ 13.7mph)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Duncan S, Ian A and Andrew B.
P.S. Simon Worley of Norfolk Cycle Workshop, is undergoing cancer treatment and the workshop will be temporarily closed: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/25866313.gofundme-norfolk-cycle-workshop-boss-cancer-diagnosis/
https://www.norfolkcycleworkshop.co.uk/
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 14th February – Crown, Banningham (Coast Café, Trimingham is closed until the 26th Feb)
Wednesday 18th February – All Things Nice, Cawston
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/
North Norfolk Wheelers 